There’s much confusion over the installation of Ganesha idols ahead of the Ganesha festival. Terming Mayor R. Sampath Raj as being ‘anti-Hindu’, the BJP raised the issue of ground rent being charged for the Ganesh pandals that are set up on public property.
On Monday, Mr. Sampath Raj was quoted by a few television channels as saying that organisations that want to install idols and set up pandals on public property will have to pay ground rent to the BBMP. The reports had claimed that BBMP officials would be collecting this ground rent.
Opposition Leader Padmanabha Reddy stated that the civic body used to collect ground rent only if the pandals were installed in BBMP playgrounds. “Those who wished to put up pandals have to only get permission from the police and Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company,” he said.
The BJP and some other organisations are planning to stage a protest on Tuesday.
However, Mr. Sampath Raj later clarified to reporters that the BBMP would not be collecting any tax or fee from the organisations. “The BBMP had issued a circular in 2007 with regard to ground rent to be collected if pandals are put up on public property. This is not something new. However, the BBMP will not be collecting any fee or ground rent from anyone,” he stated.